Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated six bishops from the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) after they consecrated new bishops without papal approval, an act the Vatican declared a formal schism. The traditionalist group, which rejects modernizations from Vatican II, maintains a presence in Florida through Our Lady of Fatima Church in Dade City. While the Diocese of Saint Petersburg expressed sadness over the split, SSPX officials stated they will not accept the sanctions with bitterness and plan to continue their community work. Experts note that such schisms are common in religious history but emphasize that typical Catholics will see no change in their daily practices. The excommunication targets only the bishops, not the broader followers of the society, allowing local parishes like Our Lady of Fatima to continue Mass as usual despite the controversy.
Pope Excommunicates Six Bishops From Traditionalist Catholic Group in Florida Impact
